Boys, girls gear up for postseason

Wednesday

Apr 30, 2008 at 12:01 AMMay 2, 2008 at 12:11 PM

The New Albany High School track and field teams, like most area teams, won't truly begin to measure itself for another few weeks when the conference meet rolls around to signal the start of the postseason.

The New Albany High School track and field teams, like most area teams, won't truly begin to measure itself for another few weeks when the conference meet rolls around to signal the start of the postseason.

For now, though, coaches Brian Finn and Otis Winston can't complain about what they've seen from their boys and girls teams.

"I think we're progressing," Finn said, "getting better every week."

"I think the girls are finally starting to get where they need to be," Winston said. "We're getting into the heat of the season, so we're getting them running properly and doing the things they need to do."

The Eagles have been in the competition season for just about a month and have only two meets left before the OCC-Capital Division meet May 17 at home. On Saturday, they head to the Jesse Owens Classic at Ohio State, and they will compete Tuesday in a dual at Big Walnut.

Last Friday, the Eagles boys were third in the Russ Owen/Bexley Relays with 67 points, behind Bexley (78) and St. Charles (71). The girls were runner-up (83) to CSG (90).

Though the girls team has been fortunate with regard to injuries, the boys team been without a couple of key athletes in recent weeks. Senior sprinter and long-jumper Gerald Nixon has missed the last couple of meets with a knee injury but should be back at full strength soon.

Junior hurdler Collin Show has been slowed by foot problems but also is expected back in plenty of time for the league meet.

It hasn't been an entirely negative situation, however. Finn said that some other athletes have taken advantage of the opportunity to compete. Junior Bo Miller, who ran primarily in the middle distances last year, has stepped in and contributed in the long jump, 100 meters, 200, 400 and sprint relays. In the long jump, he reached his personal best of 20 feet, 3 1/2 inches.

"Last year, I ran one sprint event, and I did really well in it, it was just like, 'I think I could be a good sprinter,'" Miller said.

"This year I decided to give it a shot and I'm currently doing well at it. There were a couple relays (Nixon) got out of (because of injury), and I kind of felt like it was my opportunity here to show what I can do."

In addition to Nixon and Miller, seniors Nick Campbell and Ethan Cullinan continue to be steady in sprint events, and Finn said that sophomore Jordan Williams and freshman Ross Watkins have been nice additions to the starting lineup.

The boys team also has gotten a lift from its distance runners. Led by seniors Gisli Bachmann and Josh Doran, the Eagles have scored points in the 1,600 and 3,200 that they weren't getting last season.

Finn said seniors Ryan Roads and Cory Aronhalt have been "really consistent" as the top throwers. Aronhalt posted a 121-10 to win the discus April 10 against Beechcroft and Licking Heights. Roads has had more success in the shot put.

"My best throw ever in a meet has been 45-5 1/2, and I believe with dedication and perseverance I can achieve that goal of breaking the school record (49-9) for shot put," Roads said.

On the girls side, Winston said the Eagles have been strong across the board, as expected. In addition to the numerous veterans, several younger athletes have contributed.

Winston had high expectations for freshmen sprinters Myca Mason and Jordyn Albritton, but they have been pleasant surprises, considering how quickly they've been able to make an impact. Mason won the 400 in 1:03.9 against Franklin Heights and Ready on April 9. Both Hannah and Haley Robertson have stepped in and made key contributions on the sprint relays, and Hannah Robertson has gone as high as 5-2 in the high jump already.

The focus now is preparing for the league meet and making sure the Eagles are peaking around that time.

After competing in the Russ Owen/Bexley Relays and the Jesse Owens Classic, Winston said he believes the Eagles should be adequately prepared for the level of competition they'll see in the postseason.

"It prepares them for where they want to be at the district and regionals," Winston said. "District and regionals are what we're working toward, and this is what prepares them for that. You really need to see that speed and gauge where you're at."

At a glance

Below are the recent results and coming schedule for the New Albany track and field team:

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